Romanised shows his class at Headquarters

Romanised took full advantage of a drop in class for the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes over seven furlongs in the Curragh.

The four-year-old colt hadn't scored since landing last year's Irish 2,000 Guineas over a mile at this track.

He had been keeping plenty of Group One company, though.

He got a split in mid-division passing the two pole and rapidly moved into second over a furlong out for Billy Lee.

The 2/1 shot ate up the ground as he swept in front of 7/4 favourite Hey Gaman representing James Tate and Frankie Dettori, with 150 yards to travel and motored in by a length.

Another British-raider Safe Voyage kept on for third, half a length off Hey Gaman.

Trainer Ken Condon said: “It's lovely to see that. He's been in good shape this year.

“He had two lovely runs in Group One company and he appreciated dropping in grade. Billy was delighted with him and he said when the gap came he quickened up very smartly.

“He said when he got to the front he was always just doing enough. He's gone very professional this year, more relaxed and easier to deal with. I thought it was a lovely performance.

“I'm pleased because you are nearly on a hiding to nothing, you're nearly expected to win, and you'd be hoping that it works out like that but it rarely does in racing.

“He'll come out of the race well and he'll go the Jacques Marois next. There was just a big gap between Ascot and the Jacques Marois, the guts of eight weeks, and I just thought he'd need something to keep him at a level. I'm delighted.

“I'd probably prefer to being going back to seven with him rather than going a mile-and-a-one or two today.

“What helped was that Billy said they went a good pace. He needed them too really, to be fair. He said from halfway he was happy with him.

“I thought he quickened well there, he switched leads, like a nice horse. He said when he got there he was like 'oh I've enough done' which is nice as well. Billy was very good on him.

“I was kind of looking at the Prix de la Foret last year (over seven) but thought maybe the round track at Longchamp would be too sharp for him. I don't know now. That opens up options.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson